We have spent rather a large part of this past term thinking about our own assumptions – how they influence our behaviour and how we respond to others. In a few weeks we have 2500 words to submit about the positive and negative consequences of our assumptions.
Last night I unchained myself from my desk and ventured out with a group of people, most of whom I didn’t know. The girls were mainly undergraduates. Here was a group of very bright women, amazingly attired in little black dresses – I did feel rather plain and practical in my jeans.
Well.. I did have to cycle home and it was cold.
Anyway, this sort of group always makes me feel old and cynical as I hear about their hopes for bright and wonderful careers where no limits exist. However, last night was odd. I listened to a 23 year old lament about how old she was, all the adventure being over now, and a 25 year old explain that women just can’t be surgeons.
I have clearly been listening in class and didn’t launch into a full throttle attack. Tempting but maybe I am mellowing?
Today as I think about the conversations I am amazed that people still hold assumptions based on age and gender. Further, that while these factors can be limiters they do not preclude you from going for it, if the passion is there.
I am so pleased that as a female 35 year old, living in a different country, starting a new career path, that one of my assumptions is optimism.
Hi,
Sorry I read this posting after your paper was due. I actually read a book on this because I find it interesting just as a general subject matter.
Here is an excerpt:
In the U.S. population, about 14.5 percent of all men are six feet or over. Among CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, that number is 58 percent. (Why?)
http://www.gladwell.com/blink/
Personally I think you did well not to slug either young woman who thought females can’t be surgeons or that 23 was old.
Hope all is well.
SJ